Troubleshooting
Red Spider Lily problems — and how to fix them
Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
No flowers (foliage only)
Most often caused by planting the bulb too deeply — the neck must sit at or above the soil surface for flower buds to form.
Bulb and basal rot
Overwatering or heavy, poorly drained soil that stays wet during summer dormancy rots the bulb.
Erratic year-to-year blooming
Recently moved or divided bulbs and harsh winters that damage developing flower buds can cause skipped flowering for a season or two while plants re-establish.
Stunted or blackened foliage in cold areas
The winter-persistent leaves are frost-tender, so hard freezes can damage the foliage and weaken next year's flowering in this half-hardy (H3) bulb.
Vole or rodent damage to bulbs
Although deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its toxic alkaloids, burrowing voles and gophers will sometimes gnaw the bulbs underground.
Failure to establish after planting
Lycoris resent disturbance and can take two to five seasons to settle in and bloom reliably after being transplanted.
Prevent red spider lily problems before they start
Most red spider lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Red Spider Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my red spider lily no flowers (foliage only)?
Most often caused by planting the bulb too deeply — the neck must sit at or above the soil surface for flower buds to form.
Why is my red spider lily bulb and basal rot?
Overwatering or heavy, poorly drained soil that stays wet during summer dormancy rots the bulb.
Why is my red spider lily erratic year-to-year blooming?
Recently moved or divided bulbs and harsh winters that damage developing flower buds can cause skipped flowering for a season or two while plants re-establish.
Why is my red spider lily stunted or blackened foliage in cold areas?
The winter-persistent leaves are frost-tender, so hard freezes can damage the foliage and weaken next year's flowering in this half-hardy (H3) bulb.
Why is my red spider lily vole or rodent damage to bulbs?
Although deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its toxic alkaloids, burrowing voles and gophers will sometimes gnaw the bulbs underground.
Why is my red spider lily failure to establish after planting?
Lycoris resent disturbance and can take two to five seasons to settle in and bloom reliably after being transplanted.